5.19.2008

Proverbs 19

1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

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5.18.2008

Proverbs 18

1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

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5.17.2008

Sermon on Proverbs 17:6

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Proverbs 17

1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

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5.16.2008

Sermon on Proverbs 16:1-7

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Matthew Henry on Provebs 16:1, 9

Verse 1
As we read this, it teaches us a great truth, that we are not sufficient of ourselves to think or speak any thing of ourselves that is wise and good, but that all our sufficiency is of God, who is with the heart and with the mouth, and works in us both to will and to do, Phi 2:13; Psa 10:17. But most read it otherwise: The preparation of the heart is in man (he may contrive and design this and the other) but the answer of the tongue, not only the delivering of what he designed to speak, but the issue and success of what he designed to do, is of the Lord. That is, in short, 1. Man purposes. He has a freedom of thought and a freedom of will permitted him; let him form his projects, and lay his schemes, as he thinks best: but, after all, 1. God disposes. Man cannot go on with his business without the assistance and blessing of God, who made man's mouth and teaches us what we shall say. Nay, God easily can, and often does, cross men's purposes, and break their measures. It was a curse that was prepared in Balaam's heart, but the answer of the tongue was a blessing.


Verse 9
Man is here represented to us, 1. As a reasonable creature, that has the faculty of contriving for himself: His heart devises his way, designs an end, and projects ways and means leading to that end, which the inferior creatures, who are governed by sense and natural instinct, cannot do. The more shame for him if he do not devise the way how to please God and provide for his everlasting state. 2. But as a depending creature, that is subject to the direction and dominion of his Maker. If men devise their way, so as to make God's glory their end and his will their rule, they may expect that he will direct their steps by his Spirit and grace, so that they shall not miss their way nor come short of their end. But let men devise their worldly affairs ever so politely, and with ever so great a probability of success, yet God has the ordering of the event, and sometimes directs their steps to that which they least intended. The design of this is to teach us to say, If the Lord will, we shall live and do this or that (Jam 4:14, Jam 4:15), and to have our eye to God, not only in the great turns of our lives, but in every step we take. Lord, direct my way, 1Th 3:11.

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Proverbs 16

1 The ordering of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from Jehovah.
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but Jehovah weighs the spirits.
3 Roll your works upon Jehovah, and your thoughts shall be established.
4 Jehovah has made all for His purpose; yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5 Everyone proud in heart is hateful to Jehovah; though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
6 By mercy and truth, iniquity is purged, and by the fear of Jehovah men turn away from evil.
7 When a man's ways please Jehovah, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness than great gain without right.
9 A man's heart plans his way, but Jehovah directs his steps.
10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; his mouth does not transgress in judgment.
11 A just weight and balance are Jehovah's; all the weights of the bag are His work.
12 It is a hateful thing for kings to commit wickedness; for the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him who speaks right.
14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death, but a wise man will quiet it.
15 In the light of the king's face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.
16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver!
17 The way of the upright is to turn away from evil; he who keeps his way guards his way.
18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 It is better to be of an humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He who handles a matter wisely shall find good, and whoever trusts in Jehovah, happy is he.
21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent, and the sweetness of the lips increases learning.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end of it is the ways of death.
26 He who labors works for himself, for his mouth craves it from him.
27 An ungodly man plots evil, and his lips are like a burning fire.
28 A perverse man causes fighting, and a whisperer separates chief friends.
29 A violent man lures his neighbor and makes him go in a way not good.
30 He shuts his eyes to think of perverse things; moving his lips, he brings evil to pass.
31 The gray head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.
32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit is better than he who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing of it is from Jehovah.

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5.15.2008

Matthew Henry on Proverbs 15:1

Solomon, as conservator of the public peace, here tells us, 1. How the peace may be kept, that we may know how in our places to keep it; it is by soft words. If wrath be risen like a threatening cloud, pregnant with storms and thunder, a soft answer will disperse it and turn it away. When men are provoked, speak gently to them, and give them good words, and they will be pacified, as the Ephraimites were by Gideon's mildness (Jdg 8:1-3); whereas, upon a like occasion, by Jephthah's roughness, they were exasperated, and the consequences were bad, Jdg 12:1-3. Reason will be better spoken, and a righteous cause better pleaded, with meekness then with passion; hard arguments do best with soft words. 2. How the peace will be broken, that we, for our parts, may do nothing towards the breaking of it. Nothing stirs up anger, and sows discord, like grievous words, calling foul names, as Raca, and Thou fool, upbraiding men with their infirmities and infelicities, their extraction or education, or any thing that lessens them and makes them mean; scornful spiteful reflections, by which men affect to show their wit and malice, stir up the anger of others, which does but increase and inflame their own anger. Rather than lose a jest some will lose a friend and make an enemy.

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Proverbs 15

1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness.
3 The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but crookedness in it is a break in the spirit.
5 A fool despises his father's instruction, but he who listens to correction is wise.
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but in the gain of the wicked is trouble.
7 The lips of the righteous send forth knowledge, but the heart of the foolish is not so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is a hateful thing to Jehovah, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
9 The way of the wicked is hateful to Jehovah, but He loves him who pursues righteousness.
10 Correction is grievous to him who forsakes the way; he who hates reproof shall die.
11 Hell and destruction are before Jehovah; even more the hearts of the sons of men.
12 A scorner does not love one who corrects him, nor will he go to the wise.
13 A merry heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, but gladness of heart is a continual feast.
16 Better is a little with the fear of Jehovah than great treasure and tumult with it.
17 Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred with it.
18 A wrathful man stirs up fighting, but one slow to anger calms fighting.
19 The way of the lazy one is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the righteous is made plain.
20 A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly is joy to him who is without any wisdom, but a man of understanding walks uprightly.
22 Without wisdom, purposes are defeated, but by many wise men they are established.
23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word in due season, how good it is!
24 The way of life is above to the wise, so that he may turn away from hell below.
25 Jehovah will destroy the house of the proud, but He will set up the border of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are very hateful to Jehovah, but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes shall live.
28 The heart of the righteous studies to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
29 Jehovah is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart; a good report makes the bones fat.
31 The ear that hears the reproof of life shall remain among the wise.
32 He who refuses instruction despises his own soul, but he who hears reproof gets understanding.
33 The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.

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Sermon on Proverbs 15:27

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5.14.2008

Proverbs 14

1 A wise woman builds her house, but the foolish plucks it down with her hands.
2 He who walks in his uprightness fears Jehovah, but he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.
3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise shall keep them.
4 Where no cattle are, the stall is clean, but much gain is by the strength of the ox.
5 A faithful witness will not lie, but a false witness will speak lies.
6 A scorner seeks wisdom, and it is not found, but knowledge is easy to him who understands.
7 Go from before a foolish man when you do not see in him the lips of knowledge.
8 The wisdom of the wise is to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.
9 Fools laugh at sin, but among the righteous there is favor.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share in its joy.
11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown, but the tent of the upright shall be blessed.
12 There is a way which seems right to a man, but the end of it is the ways of death.
13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful, and the end of that joy is heaviness.
14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways, but a good man from himself.
15 The simple believes every word, but the wise man watches his step.
16 A wise one fears and departs from evil, but the fool rages and is sure.
17 He who is soon angry acts foolishly, and a man of wicked plots is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly, but the wise are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich has many friends.
21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.
22 Do not those who think evil go astray? But mercy and truth shall be to those who think of good.
23 In all labor there is gain, but the talk of the lips tends only to poverty.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches of wisdom; the foolishness of fools is folly.
25 A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies.
26 In the fear of Jehovah is strong hope, and His sons shall have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life to turn aside from the snares of death.
28 In the multitude of people is the king's honor, but in the lack of people is the ruin of the prince.
29 He who is slow to wrath is of great understanding, but he who is hasty of spirit exalts folly.
30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh, but envy the rottenness of the bones.
31 He who presses the poor curses his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy upon the poor.
32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness, but the righteous has hope in his death.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, but among fools it is made known.
34 Righteousness lifts up a nation, but sin is a shame to any people.
35 The king's favor is toward a wise servant, but his wrath is against him who causes shame.

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Matthew Henry on Proverbs 14:1

Note, 1. A good wife is a great blessing to a family. By a fruitful wife a family is multiplied and replenished with children, and so built up. But by a prudent wife, one that is pious, industrious, and considerate, the affairs of the family are made to prosper, debts are paid, portions raised, provision made, the children well educated and maintained, and the family has comfort within doors and credit without; thus is the house built. She looks upon it as her own to take care of, though she knows it is her husband's to bear rule in, Est 1:22. 2. Many a family is brought to ruin by ill housewifery, as well as by ill husbandry. A foolish woman, that has no fear of God nor regard to her business, that is wilful, and wasteful, and humoursome, that indulges her ease and appetite, and is all for jaunting and feasting, cards and the play-house, though she come to a plentiful estate, and to a family beforehand, she will impoverish and waste it, and will as certainly be the ruin of her house as if she plucked it down with her hands; and the husband himself, with all his care, can scarcely prevent it.

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5.13.2008

Evils of Gambling: Sermon on Proverbs 13:11

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Proverbs 13

1 A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a scorner does not hear rebuke.
2 From the fruit of his mouth a man shall eat good, but the soul of the treacherous eats violence.
3 He who keeps his mouth keeps his life; he who opens his lips wide, it is ruin to him.
4 The soul of the sluggard desires and has nothing; but the soul of the hard worker shall be made fat.
5 The righteous hates lying, but the wicked one is odious and acts shamefully.
6 Righteousness guards the perfect of way, but wickedness subverts a sin-offering.
7 There are those who act rich, yet have nothing; and those who act poor, yet have great riches.
8 The ransom of a man's life is his riches, but the poor does not hear rebuke.
9 The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
10 Only by pride comes argument, but with those who take advice is wisdom.
11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be taken away, but he who gathers by hand shall increase.
12 Hope put off makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 Whoever despises the Word shall be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment shall be rewarded.
14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding gives favor, but the way of traitors is ever flowing.
16 Every wise one deals with knowledge, but a fool lays open his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into mischief, but a faithful ambassador is health.
18 Poverty and shame shall be to him who refuses instruction, but he who listens to correction shall be honored.
19 The desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but it is hateful to fools to turn from evil.
20 He who walks with the wise shall be wise, but a companion with fools shall be destroyed.
21 Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous good shall be repaid.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his sons' sons, and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
23 Much food is in the plowed ground of the poor, but when there is no justice, it is swept away.
24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him chastens him early.
25 The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the belly of the wicked shall lack.

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5.12.2008

Proverbs 12

1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge; but he who hates correction is like a brute animal.
2 The good gets grace from Jehovah, but He will condemn a man of wicked thoughts.
3 A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4 A woman of virtue is a crown to her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are right; the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7 The wicked are overthrown, and are gone; but the house of the righteous shall stand.
8 A man shall be praised according to his wisdom, but he who is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
9 Better is one despised, and having a servant, than he honoring himself and lacks bread.
10 A righteous one understands the soul of his animal; but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11 He who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he who follows vanities lacks heart.
12 The wicked desires the net of evils; but the root of the righteous yields fruit.
13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips, but the just shall come out of trouble.
14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the reward of a man's hands shall be given to him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to advice is wise.
16 A fool's vexation is known in a day, but the astute one covers shame.
17 He who breathes truth shows forth righteousness, but a false witness deceit.
18 There are those who speak like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.
19 The lips of truth shall be established forever, but only while I wink is a lying tongue.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who imagine evil, but to counselors of peace there is joy.
21 No evil shall happen to the just, but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22 Lying lips are hateful to Jehovah, but those who deal truly are His delight.
23 A wise man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools cries out foolishness.
24 The hand of the hard worker shall bear rule, but the lazy shall be under service.
25 Heaviness in the heart of man makes it stoop, but a good word makes it glad.
26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor, but the way of the wicked seduces them.
27 The lazy one does not start after his game, but the wealth of a hard worker is precious.
28 In the way of righteousness is life, and in that pathway there is no death.

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5.11.2008

Provers 11

1 False balances are hateful to Jehovah; but a just weight is His delight.
2 Pride comes, then shame comes; but with the lowly is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them; but the crookedness of traitors shall destroy them.
4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the perfect shall make his way right, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, but deceivers shall be taken in lust.
7 When a wicked man dies, his hope shall perish; and the hope of evil ones shall be lost.
8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked comes in his place.
9 A hypocrite corrupts his neighbor with his mouth; but through knowledge the just shall be delivered.
10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked are destroyed, there is singing.
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is lifted up, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12 One despising his friend lacks heart, but a man of understanding remains silent.
13 One going with slander is a revealer of secrets, but the faithful of spirit keeps the matter hidden.
14 Where there is no wisdom, the people fall; but in the multitude of wise men there is safety.
15 He who is surety for a stranger shall be ruined; and he who hates suretyship is safe.
16 A gracious woman keeps honor, and the strong keep riches.
17 The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
18 The wicked makes a deceitful wage; but one sowing righteousness has a sure reward.
19 So righteousness tends to life; but one pursuing evil, it is to his own death.
20 They who are of a perverse heart are hateful to Jehovah, but the upright in the way are His delight.
21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be innocent; but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22 Like a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a beautiful woman who turns aside discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good; the hope of the wicked is wrath.
24 There is one who scatters and yet increases; but one who withholds just due comes only to poverty.
25 The soul who gives freely shall be made fat; and he who waters shall also be watered himself.
26 He who withholds grain, the people shall curse him; but blessing is on the head of him who sells.
27 He who carefully seeks good gets favor; but he who seeks mischief, it shall come to him.
28 He who trusts in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall blossom like a branch.
29 He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind; and the fool shall be servant to the wise in heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he who takes souls is wise.
31 Behold, the righteous shall be rewarded in the earth; much more the wicked and the sinner.

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5.10.2008

Matthew Henry on Proverb 10

Hitherto we have been in the porch or preface to the proverbs, here they begin. They are short but weighty sentences; most of them are distichs, two sentences in one verse, illustrating each other; but it is seldom that there is any coherence between the verses, much less any thread of discourse, and therefore in these chapters we need not attempt to reduce the contents to their proper heads, the several sentences will appear best in their own places. The scope of them all is to set before us good and evil, the blessing and the curse. Many of the proverbs in this chapter relate to the good government of the tongue, without which men's religion is vain.

Verse 1
Solomon, speaking to us as unto children, observes here how much the comfort of parents, natural, political, and ecclesiastical, depends upon the good behaviour of those under their charge, as a reason, 1. Why parents should be careful to give their children a good education, and to train them up in the ways of religion, which, if it obtain the desired effect, they themselves will have the comfort of it, or, if not, they will have for their support under their heaviness that they have done their duty, have done their endeavour. 2. Why children should conduct themselves wisely and well, and live up to their good education, that they may gladden the hearts of their parents, and not sadden them. Observe, (1.) It adds to the comfort of young people that are pious and discreet that thereby they do something towards recompensing their parents for all the care and pains they have taken with them, and occasion pleasure to them in the evil days of old age, when they most need it; and it is the duty of parents to rejoice in their children's wisdom and well-doing, yea, though it arrive at such an eminency as to eclipse them. (2.) It adds to the guilt of those that conduct themselves ill that thereby they grieve those whom they ought to be a joy to, and are a heaviness particularly to their poor mothers who bore them with sorrow, but with greater sorrow see them wicked and vile.

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Proverbs 10

1The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. 2Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. 3The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. 4He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. 5He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. 6Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. 7The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. 8The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. 9He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known. 10He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall. 11The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. 12Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. 13In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. 14Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. 15The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty. 16The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin. 17He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth. 18He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. 19In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. 20The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. 21The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. 22The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. 23It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom. 24The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. 25As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. 26As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him. 27The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. 28The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. 29The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. 30The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth. 31The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. 32The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

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5.09.2008

Matthew Henry on Proverbs 9

Christ and sin are rivals for the soul of man, and here we are told how they both make their court to it, to have the innermost and uppermost place in it. The design of this representation is to set before us life and death, good and evil; and there needs no more than a fair stating of the case to determine us which of those to choose, and surrender our hearts to. They are both brought in making entertainment for the soul, and inviting it to accept of the entertainment; concerning both we are told what the issue will be; and, the matter being thus laid before us, let us consider, take advice, and speak our minds. And we are therefore concerned to put a value upon our own souls, because we see there is such striving for them. I. Christ, under the name of Wisdom, invites us to accept of his entertainment, and so to enter into acquaintance and communion with him (v. 1-6). And having foretold the different success of his invitation (v. 7-9) he shows, in short, what he requires from us (v. 10). and what he designs for us (v. 11), and then leaves it to our choice what we will do (v. 12). II. Sin, under the character of a foolish woman, courts us to accept of her entertainment, and (v. 13-16) pretends it is very charming (v. 17). But Solomon tells us what the reckoning will be (v. 18). And now choose you, this day, whom you will close with.

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Proverbs 9

1Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:
2She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.
3She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
4Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
5Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
6Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
7He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
8Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
12If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
13A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
14For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
15To call passengers who go right on their ways:
16Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
17Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
18But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.

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5.08.2008

Matthew Henry on Proverbs 8

The word of God is two-fold, and, in both senses, is wisdom; for a word without wisdom is of little value, and wisdom without a word is of little use. Now, I. Divine revelation is the word and wisdom of God, and that pure religion and undefiled which is built upon it; and of that Solomon here speaks, recommending it to us as faithful, and well worthy of all acceptation (v. 1-2). God, by it, instructs, and governs, and blesses, the children of men. II. The redeemer is the eternal Word and wisdom, the Logos. He is the Wisdom that speaks to the children of men in the former part of the chapter. All divine revelation passes through his hand, and centres in him; but of him as the personal Wisdom, the second person in the Godhead, in the judgment of many of the ancients, Solomon here speaks (v. 22-31). He concludes with a repeated charge to the children of men diligently to attend to the voice of God in his word (v. 32-36).

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Charles Bridges on Government

Charles Bridges on Government: "Charles Bridges on Government and Politics

Charles Bridges on Government and Politics




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Charles Bridges (1794-1869) was a great evangelical leader in the Church of England of the 19th century.


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"By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth." Proverbs 8:15-16.

Another glorious contemplation of this Divine Person! He proclaims himself to be the source of power and authority, no less than of counsel and wisdom. "KING OF KINGS" was the mysterious name written upon his vesture. (Rev. xix. 16; i. 5; xvii. 14.) Yet his crown does not displace the regal diadem from the brow of earthly princes; nor is the sceptre to fall from their hands. These ensigns of power are to be held, but in subordination to his own. By me kings reign; not only by my permission, but by my appointment. They bear my name. They are stamped with my authority. (Exod. xxii. 28. Ps. lxxxii. 6. John, x. 35.) Proud anarchy disputes the prerogative, and traces the authority to the people; only that they may cast off the yoke of God, and "do that which is right in their own eyes." (Judg. xvii. 6; xix. 1. Hos. viii. 4. 2 Pet. ii. 10. Jude, 8.) Scripture polities lay down the offensive truth – "There is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God. They are ministers of God," not servants of the people. (Rom. xiii. 1-6.) Government in all its administrations – kings, princes, nobles, judges – is a Divinely-consecrated ordinance. Every kingdom is a province of the universal empire of the "King of kings." Men may mix their own pride, folly, and self-will with this appointment. But God's providential counter-working preserves the substantial blessing. Yet, if "the power be exclusively of God," then is Wisdom, by whom kings reign, the very essence and person of God. And here is our rest, our anchor in this world's agitating storm. "The government of the world is on the shoulders" of "the Head of the Church." (Isa. ix. 6.) All things – all power in heaven and in earth – is delivered unto him of his Father. "The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice." (Ps. xcvii. 1.)


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Reference

“A Commentary on Proverbs,” by Charles Bridges. First published 1846. This edition reprinted by The Banner of Truth Trust, 1987. p 76

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Proverbs 8

1Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
2She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
3She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
4Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
5O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
6Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
7For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
9They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
10Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
11For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
12I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
14Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
15By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
16By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
17I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
18Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
19My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
20I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
21That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
22The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
24When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
26While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
27When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
28When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
30Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
31Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
32Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
33Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
34Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
35For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.
36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death

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5.07.2008

Michael Cope on Proverbs 7:4, 5

Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister: & call understanding thy kinswoman:
That they may keep thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger that is smooth in her words.

For as much as we have neither wisdom nor knowledge, but so much as the Word of God doth print in our hearts, and that it pleaseth him to give us: we ought to understand that Solomon would have us like unto the blessed man (Ps. 1:1): so doing, wisdom should be as our sister, & understanding should be familiar unto us, & we shall be contented to love wisdom, and understanding shall keep us contiual company, and so shall we not be given to seek dishonest company, nor will not suffer ourselves to be deceived with the flattering speeches of whores. Solomon doth signify it by that which followeth, saying,

That they may keep thee, &c. It is by wisdom and understanding then that we obtain life: and by the use of the Word, that we escape whoredom and adultery, and not by man's wisdom, nor by our free will.

-A Godly and learned Exposition upon the Proverbs of Solomon, 1580

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Proverbs 7

1My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
2Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
3Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.
4Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:
5That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.
6For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,
7And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,
8Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,
9In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:
10And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.
11(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:
12Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)
13So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,
14I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.
15Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.
16I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.
17I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.
19For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:
20He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.
21With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
22He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
23Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.
24Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.
25Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
26For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.
27Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

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5.06.2008

Matthew Henry on Prov. 6:20, 21

My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

1. We must look upon the word of God both as a light (v. 23) and as a law, v. 20, 23. (1.) By its arguments it is a light, which our understandings must subscribe to; it is a lamp to our eyes for discovery, and so to our feet for direction. The word of God reveals to us truths of eternal certainty, and is built upon the highest reason. Scripture-light is the sure light. (2.) By its authority it is a law, which our wills must submit to. As never such a light shone out of the schools of the philosophers, so never such a law issued from the throne of any prince, so well framed, and so binding. It is such a law as is a lamp and a light, for it carries with it the evidence of its own goodness.

2. We must receive it as our father's commandment and the law of our mother, v. 20. It is God's commandment and his law. But, (1.) Our parents directed us to it, put it into our hands, trained us up in the knowledge and observance of it, its original and obligation being most sacred. We believe indeed, not for their saying, for we have tried it ourselves and find it to be of God; but we were beholden to them for recommending it to us, and see all the reason in the world to continue in the things we have learned, knowing of whom we have learned them. (2.) The cautions, counsels, and commands which our parents gave us agree with the word of God, and therefore we must hold them fast. Children, when they are grown up, must remember the law of a good mother, as well as the commandment of a good father, Ecclesiasticus 3:2. The Lord has given the father honour over the children and has confirmed the authority of the mother over the sons.

3. We must retain the word of God and the good instructions which our parents gave us out of it. (1.) We must never cast them off, never think it a mighty achievement (as some do) to get clear of the restraints of a good education: "Keep thy father's commandment, keep it still, and never forsake it." (2.) We must never lay them by, no, not for a time (v. 21): Bind them continually, not only upon thy hand (as Moses had directed, Deu. 6:8) but upon thy heart. Phylacteries upon the hand were of no value at all, any further than they occasioned pious thoughts and affections in the heart. There the word must be written, there it must be hid, and laid close to the conscience. Tie them about thy neck, as an ornament, a bracelet, or gold chain,—about thy throat (so the word is); let them be a guard upon that pass; tie them about thy throat, that no forbidden fruit may be suffered to go in nor any evil word suffered to go out through the throat; and thus a great deal of sin would be prevented. Let the word of God be always ready to us, and let us feel the impressions of it, as of that which is bound upon our hearts and about our necks.

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Proverbs 6

1My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
2Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
3Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.
4Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
5Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
6Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
7Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
8Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
9How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
10Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
11So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
12A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
13He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
14Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
15Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
16These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
20My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
21Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
22When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
23For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
24To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
25Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
26For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life.
27Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
28Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
29So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
30Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
31But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
32But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
33A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
34For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
35He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

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5.05.2008

Matthew Henry on Proverbs 5:15-23

Enjoy with satisfaction the comforts of lawful marriage, which was ordained for the prevention of uncleanness, and therefore ought to be made use of in time, lest it should not prove effectual for the cure of that which it might have prevented. Let none complain that God has dealt unkindly with them in forbidding them those pleasures which they have a natural desire of, for he has graciously provided for the regular gratification of them. 'Thou mayest not indeed eat of every tree of the garden, but choose thee out one, which thou pleasest, and of that thou mayest freely eat; nature will be content with that, but lust with nothing.' God, in thus confining men to one, has been so far from putting any hardship upon them that he has really consulted their true interest; for, as Mr. Herbert observes, 'If God had laid all common, certainly man would have been the encloser.'-Church-porch. Solomon here enlarges much upon this, not only prescribing it as an antidote, but urging it as an argument against fornication, that the allowed pleasures of marriage (however wicked wits may ridicule them, who are factors for the unclean spirit) far transcend all the false forbidden pleasures of whoredom.

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Proverbs 5

1My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:
2That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.
3For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:
4But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
5Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.
6Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.
7Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.
8Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:
9Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:
10Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;
11And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
12And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
13And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
14I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.
15Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
16Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.
17Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.
18Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
19Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
20And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger
21For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
22His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.
23He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

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5.04.2008

Spurgeon on Prov. 4:23

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Francis Taylor on Proverbs 4

Here ye children the instruction of a Father, and attend to know understanding

"These chapters 4, 5, 6 ,7 ,8, 9. contain David's Catechisme for his Son Solomon, delivered by him at diverse times, and written together by Solomon. At the middle of the fourth verse David is brought in speaking and holds on to the end of the ninth Chapter. And Solomon is brought in speaking again, as appears by the preface of the tenth Chapter, 'The Proverbs of Solomon', which preface had been needless, if David had not spoken all this while."

v.4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

"The Wiseman goes on like an excellent Orator, and to gain the more repect to his Words, he puts them upon his Father, that for his sake, if not for his own, they might be regarded. He had before set out the motive of David's instruction, his fatherly love to him, now he sets out the matter itself which he taught him, exhorting him to good, de-horting him from evil, with promises and threatening to affect him the more. In this verse he persuades to careful reception of what he delivers in the verses following. Hewould have them not only kindly received, but also carefully kept for ever, as received not into the ear only, but also into the heart."

~Francis Taylor, from several expository lectures at Christ-Church in Canterbury, 1657

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Matthew Henry on Proverbs 4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible: "When the things of God are to be taught precept must be upon precept, and line upon line, not only because the things themselves are of great worth and weight, but because men's minds, at the best, are unapt to admit them and commonly prejudiced against them; and therefore Solomon, in this chapter, with a great variety of expression and a pleasant powerful flood of divine eloquence, inculcates the same things that he had pressed upon us in the foregoing chapters. Here is, I. An earnest exhortation to the study of wisdom, that is, of true religion and godliness, borrowed from the good instructions which his father gave him, and enforced with many considerable arguments (v. 1-13). II. A necessary caution against bad company and all fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (v. 14-19). III. Particular directions for the attaining and preserving of wisdom, and bringing forth the fruits of it (v. 20-27). So plainly, so pressingly, is the case laid before us, that we shall be for ever inexcusable if we perish in our folly.

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Proverbs 4

1Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
2For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
3For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
4He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
5Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
6Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
7Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
8Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
9She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
10Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.
11I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
12When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
13Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
14Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
15Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
16For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
17For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
19The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
20My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
24Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
25Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

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5.03.2008

Matthew Henry on Proverbs 3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible: "This chapter is one of the most excellent in all this book, both for argument to persuade us to be religious and for directions therein. I. We must be constant to our duty because that is the way to be happy (v. 1-4). II. We must live a life of dependence upon God because that is the way to be safe (v. 5). III. We must keep up the fear of God because that is the way to be healthful (v. 7, 8). IV. We must serve God with our estates because that is the way to be rich (v. 9, 10). V. We must hear afflictions well because that is the way to get good by them (v. 11, 12). VI. We must take pains to obtain wisdom because that is the way to gain her, and to gain by her (v. 13-20). VII. We must always govern ourselves by the rules of wisdom, of right reason and religion, because that is the way to be always easy (v. 21-26). VIII. We must do all the good we can, and no hurt, to our neighbours, because according as men are just or unjust, charitable or uncharitable, humble or haughty, accordingly they shall receive of God (v. 27-35). From all this it appears what a tendency religion has to make men both blessed and blessings.

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Proverbs 3

1My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
9Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
11My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
12For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
19The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
20By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
21My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
22So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
23Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
24When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
25Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
26For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
27Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
28Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
29Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
30Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
31Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
32For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
33The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
34Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
35The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

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5.02.2008

Proverbs 2

1My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
7He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
8He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
9Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
10When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
11Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
12To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;
13Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;
14Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;
15Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:
16To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;
17Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.
18For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.
19None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.
20That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.
21For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
22But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

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